The best travel pillows to make your long flights more comfortable

Long haul flights? We're officially on board šŸ’ā€ā™€ļø

best-travel-pillows

by Samantha Price |
Updated on

If anything can make a long-haul flight less soul-draining, we're on board, and the best travel pillows do just that. As you prepare to sit in the same aeroplane seat for the foreseeable, a travel pillow can help to support your head, neck, and posture during your journey.

It's not just planes either, these little travel pillows can be used for road trips and train rides too. Ideal for catching a few Z's, you'll be able to nap while travelling and won't even have to worry about a stiff neck afterwards. The dream, right?

Designed with support in mind, a travel pillow sits comfortably around your neck to stop your head from rolling as you nap. With a wraparound design and often filled with the comfiest of memory foam, the first thing you'll feel when you start your holiday is refreshed, revitalised and ready to take on the day. Honestly? A must-have on your holiday checklist.

Closer's best travel pillows at a glance:

Editor's choice: Trtl Travel Pillow, Ā£59.99 on Amazon

Best highly-rated travel pillow: BCOZZY Neck Pillow For Travel, Ā£39.97 on Amazon

Best bestselling travel pillow: Life Hall Travel Pillow, Ā£9.99 on Amazon

Best budget travel pillow: Dunelm Travel Pillow, Ā£6 on Dunelm

So, when you're next packing all of your holiday essentials, like your travel hairdryer for your next all-inclusive, don't forget your travel pillow. Most are convenient enough to be stored under your seat on your journey, so you don't even need to worry about squeezing them into your luggage.

How did we select the best travel pillows?

For our top picks of the best travel pillows, check out our list below. We've selected some of the best based on their comfort level, cost and, of course, real tried and tested reviews from happy customers across a range of trusted retailers. Shop the best travel pillows for your next journey, below.

SHOP: 10 best travel pillows 2024

Editor's choice

Expert rating:
4.0
Price: Ā£59.99

The team at the travel company, Trtl, worked to develop their travel pillow after enduring uncomfortable economy flights and overnight trains. The solution? This scientifically proven, ergonomic and stylish design that supports your head and neck as you snooze. Thousands of reviewers were delighted with Trtl's travel pillow, claiming that it's a total game-changer and they can no longer travel without it. Is it any wonder it's been selected as our editor's choice?

Pros

  • Stylish and non-bulky, designed to look like a scarf
  • Super lightweight and easy to carry, pack or wrap around
  • Machine washable super-soft, hypoallergenic fabric

Cons

  • May take some adjustment to work it correctly

Best highly-rated travel pillow

Expert rating:
4.0
BCOZZY Neck Pillow For TravelĀ Amzazon
Price: Ā£39.97

With over 26,000 reviews, BCOZZY's Neck Pillow is a serious contender and the most highly rated option that we could find on our search for the best travel pillow. The best thing about this design is that it can be worn in many ways, all designed to be ergonomic, which support the natural shape of your head and neck. There are even options for the little ones so they can get some shut-eye during the trip too, and we love that it comes with a handy storage bag. Reviewers can only agree, saying it was comfortable, versatile and supportive.

Pros

  • Offers three ergonomic designs, and double support
  • Comes with a handy carry case to keep it clean
  • Children's sizes and designs are also available

Cons

  • The size may be bigger than other pillows on the list

Best bestselling travel pillow

Expert rating:
4.0
Life Hall Travel PillowAmazon
Price: Ā£9.99

As the bestselling travel pillow on Amazon, the Life Hall Travel Pillow comes highly recommended, rated and reviewed. Filled with comfortable memory foam, it's been designed with an orthopaedic, raised lobe contouring on each side to stop neck tilt and strain. Not to mention, its accessible price point makes it a clear winner in our eyes, and in the eyes of customers. One reviewer said it was a lifesaver for napping on planes due to its super comfy design.

Pros

  • Soft and folding feature, easily packable into the included carry bagĀ 
  • Designed with an orthopaedic raised lobe contouring on either side
  • A fantastic budget option with an affordable price point

Cons

  • May be too firm for some customers

Best budget travel pillow

Expert rating:
4.5
Dunelm

Holidays are already expensive, why break the bank? This travel pillow from Dunelm is the cheapest option on our list. At under a tenner, so it's no wonder it's such a popular option at Dunelm thanks to its fantastic value for money. It's made from soft, machine-washable polyester and is lightweight enough to carry with you on your travels. A happy customer commented that they used this 'brilliant' pillow on an 8 hour long flight and found it 'supportive, cheap and cheerful'.

Pros

  • A fantastic budget option with an affordable price point
  • Super lightweight and easy to carry, pack or wrap around
  • Made from soft, machine-washable polyester

Cons

  • May be too firm for some customers

Best recommended travel pillow

Expert rating:
4.5
Ultimate 3.0 Memory PillowJohn Lewis
Price: Ā£34.99
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=c84bfba7fb9057c609599595b4f5e218&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=C0xAEhVYThgRFU4eWFYAT0MXVlZUGkpdDURJRRddVRZbQE0BDUxDFANPVVkaBVNRTUBLXBhLXAFcS1gAX14RQRkECQMMGhIQWEZQW05GWVVZVk4KcHFfBV4NVAsBWw8%3D&x=v1&prdId=10382307337&barcode=Uw0EU1BRUwFXUgkIAAI%3D

Racking up an impressive 4.8-star rating on John Lewis, the Ultimate 3.0 Memory Pillow comes recommended by seasoned travellers. It features clever compression technology, an integrated rear grip and snug, moulded fit to ensure total comfort. Made with 'luxuriously soft' material (a customer's words, not ours), and comfortable memory foam fill, you'll be ready for your travels in no time.

Pros

  • Features compression technology to provide optimum comfort
  • Integrated rear grip helps secure the pillow to any headrest
  • Has a recessed tension strap to loop around the entire pillow

Cons

  • Recessed tension strap could do with being adjustable

Best travel pillow approved by sleep experts

Expert rating:
4.5
Tempur Original Travel PillowTempur

Sleep experts, Tempur have come together to design this travel pillow. As well as ergonomically designed mattresses, the brand can add travel pillows to its repertoire. If you're lucky enough to have a window seat, you can use this travel pillow as a headrest to encourage good posture while you're away, or even use in your hotel bed if you're looking for some extra support. We love that it moulds to your shape, can be packed away in the convenient storage bag and features a removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning.

Pros

  • Designed with viscoelastic cells that actively mould and adapt to your body
  • A multi-purpose pillow you can use beyond travelling
  • Features a removable machine washable cover for easy cleaning

Cons

  • No wraparound feature that some would prefer

Best multi-purpose travel pillow

Expert rating:
4.5
alkamto Travel PillowAmazon
Price: Ā£29.90

As an alternative to Tempur's Original Travel Pillow, Alkamto comes in with a cheaper option. It IS flat and doesn't feature the typical wraparound design as seen on most travel options, but one user said they prefer this design instead. A temperature-regulating pillowcase makes this a breathable, lightweight pillow to use, and its memory foam fill moulds and adapts uniquely to your shape. We love that it can be used on your travels, or when you're sleeping away from home to give you those home comforts that you'd surely miss otherwise.

Pros

  • Designed with viscoelastic cells that actively mould and adapt to your body
  • A multi-purpose pillow you can use beyond travelling
  • Features temperature-regulation fibres in the thermo cover

Cons

  • No wraparound feature that some would prefer

Best travel pillow for neck support

Expert rating:
4.5
SNUGL Travel PillowAmazon
Price: Ā£29.95

If you value a good nap above all else, SNUGL's Travel Pillow is an essential. Featuring a generous, high neck design, it has uniquely shaped grooves to support your head, neck, shoulders and chin. Like other options, it comes with a storage bag and is machine washable. But, unlike other options, it's designed to be reversible so you can wear it backwards to support your chin if you wish. We love that its material has been designed to be breathable during long flights, and customers love that it's super comfortable, with one reviewer claiming they wore it during an 18-hour long flight.

Pros

  • Features a higher neck than other options for optimal support
  • Reversible design allows you to wear it backwards for head support
  • Children's sizes and designs are also available

Cons

  • May feel particularly bulky to wear

Best travel pillow with hood

Expert rating:
4.0
Jiancrate Travel Pillow For NeckAmazon
Price: Ā£13.99

Particularly sensitive to light and find it challenging to sleep on planes? May we suggest: a hooded travel pillow? Honestly, we didn't know these existed until now and they are genius. Simply slip the detachable hood over your eyes and you'll be asleep in seconds. Whenever you need, you can fold the hood and the pillow into the storage bag for easy transportation. It's safe to say reviewers loved its value and portable quality.

Pros

  • Features a detachable hood for blocking light
  • Has a higher neck than other options for optimal support
  • Adjustable front straps for a customised fit

Cons

  • May feel particularly bulky to wear

Best adjustable travel pillow

Expert rating:
4.0
EPROICKS Travel PillowAmazon
Price: Ā£18.99

If you like prefer something slightly more adjustable, ERPOICKS' travel pillow allows you to tailor it to suit you. Better yet, it comes with an eye mask, earplugs and a storage bag to take with you on your travels. Afterwards, you can use it to cuddle up in your bed, or on the couch to support your neck while lounging. One customer loved its versatility and commented that they even use it at home, too.

Pros

  • Made from soft material that can be adjusted to your shape
  • A multi-purpose pillow you can use beyond travelling
  • Includes eye mask, earplugs and storage bag

Cons

  • May be slightly larger than expected

FAQs

What are the best travel pillows?

ā€¢ Trtl Travel Pillow, Ā£59.99: A slightly more expensive option, but reviewers have been raving about this travel pillow from travel company, Trtl. With thousands of delighted reviews praising its comfort level and unique scientifically proven design, this one just had to make our list as one of the best options.

ā€¢ BCOZZY Neck Pillow For Travel, Ā£39.97: This pillow has over 26,000 reviews on Amazon, and as the most highly-rated option on our list, it's no surprise it comes with thousands of positive reviews. Customers loved its comfort, support, portability and versatility.

ā€¢ Life Hall Travel Pillow, Ā£9.99: As a bestselling pillow on Amazon, this option definitely deserved our attention. It has over 8,000 reviews on Amazon. And, not only is it a fantastic budget option, but reviewers loved its comfort, quality, support and portability.

How to choose the best travel pillows?

When choosing the best travel pillows, there are a few things that you might want to keep in mind. Here are some of our top tips for selecting a travel pillow to take with you on your journey.

Closer's top tips for selecting the best travel pillows:

Comfort: Most designs are filled with memory foam, beads or are inflatable. Choose accordingly based on your preference. The important thing is that you find it comfortable to use on a long journey. Don't be afraid to test before you commit.

Design: Try and opt for designs that are classed as orthopaedic, ergonomic and supportive of your head and neck. The idea is that they wrap around your neck to encourage your posture and offer support while sleeping. Although not ideal to use for periods longer than travel, it should make your long-haul flight more comfortable in the short term.

Size: If they can be stored under your seat, travel pillows are generally ok to carry with you onto the plane. However, if they're too big, you may have to pack them in your carry-on bag. It's always worth checking your airline baggage requirements and taking some measurements to be safe.

Cost: If you can find yourself a budget option, it's always a plus. Shop with your budget in mind. However, do be mindful that cost and quality usually go hand-in-hand, so before you impulse buy a cheaper option, make sure it's properly supportive beforehand. Check reviews if you're unsure.

Samantha Price is a Senior Commercial Content Writer for Closer. During her time at Bauer, she has worked on several projects, from championing the Closer newsletters to writing expertly crafted buying guides on beauty, fashion and lifestyle.

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